Berkenbile began his career as an agricultural education instructor in Morrison Public Schools. He joined the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech in 1988 as the agricultural education northwest district supervisor and curriculum specialist. He became the agricultural education assistant state supervisor in 1994. In 1995, Berkenbile left the agency to become the superintendent of schools in Morrison, Oklahoma but returned in 1999 as the associate state director of educational services. In April 2003, he was selected as chief of staff and then began serving as interim director in May 2003.
Phil serves on the Governor’s Taskforce on Aerospace and Information Security, the Governor’s Taskforce on Healthcare, the Oklahoma Manufacturers Alliance Board, the State Insurance Advisory Council, and the State Workforce Development Board. He currently is chair of the Oklahoma Education Technology Trust (OETT) Foundation. He is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Career and Technology Education (NASDCTE) and a 2001-02 graduate of Leadership Oklahoma – Class XIV. He is a member of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Program and a 2001-02 graduate of Educators Leadership Academy. Berkenbile serves on the CareerTech Administrative Council (CTAC) and is a member of Oklahoma Career and Technology Education (OkACTE).
Berkenbile received his bachelor, masters and doctorate in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University and is a graduate of Dover High School. He is the son of Lucille Berkenbile of Hennessey.
Berkenbile has received numerous civic and community awards. He holds various honorary memberships and has received recognitions for his many contributions to Oklahoma’s education system.
